PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

OPERATION ACCESS

AN INTERVIEW WITH MARILYN SANCHEZ, SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Since 2009, Operation Access has partnered with the Order of Malta Clinic to connect patients who need outpatient surgical procedures and diagnostic services with medical professionals in their volunteer network, free of charge.

Tell us about the mission of Operation Access— when and why was the organization founded?

At Operation Access, we link primary care clinics with our volunteer network to match patients in need of care with medical professionals who want to help provide outpatient surgical procedures and diagnostic services free of charge. Thirty years ago, two general surgeons and one hospital administrator at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco identified a gap in health care and decided to bridge that gap to improve people’s health and quality of life. Today we provide timely, planned care so patients do not end up in the emergency room.

How many patients does Operation Access serve each year and what sort of donated services and programs do you provide?

We serve more than 2,000 patients each year. Our most common services include hernia repair, cyst and lipoma removal, cataract and pterygium removal, and colonoscopies. Our specialties include colorectal, ear, nose, throat, dermatology, vision, gastroenterology, gynecology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, urology, and more.

How many community clinics, volunteers, and medical professionals do you work with?

We serve referrals from 142 community clinic sites. In 2022, more than 700 medical professionals donated their time and skills to serve members of their community in partnership with 78 hospitals and ambulatory care centers.

How is the partnership between Operation Access and the Order of Malta Clinic making a difference in the lives of uninsured, low-income, and underserved members of our community?

Working with the Order of Malta Clinic since 2009 has been a pleasure. The kindness displayed by all clinical staff is genuine and sincere. There is nothing this Clinic won’t do for its patient population. Being a resource and partner for the Order of Malta Clinic is very important, and we enjoy serving the patients and working with this team of excellent staff.

Do you have an Order of Malta Clinic patient story that stands out for you?

Mr. Francis is a patient we served for multiple specialties. He and his advocate were lovely, and we were so happy to be able to make his surgeries a success.